Pool dumping ground symptomatic of larger problems in Trenton
A city pool closed since 2014 due to structural problems has become a dumping ground for garbage and human feces.
Talk about dumps. Hetzel Field Pool off South Olden Ave. features a variety of trash items including a filing cabinet, a large metal box container and numerous clumps of soiled toilet paper.
The deteriorating pool and a nearby sports field had been earmarked for $2.4 million worth of capital improvements.
In 2015, Jacqueline Foushee, the city’s public works director, offered insights about the pending project.
“We’re going to try to be pretty aggressive with it, but because it’s a part of a larger project ... it most likely would not be in time for the summer. Definitely by next summer.” Foushee, told The Trentonian now coming up on three summers ago.
The funding approved by council included a $1.2 million grant from the New Jersey Green Acres Program and the remaining $1.2 million came from a loan. The project has been a long-time coming. The initial approval for funding came in 2007 under former Mayor Douglas Palmer’s administration.
No human aggression occurred but Mother Nature overwhelms Hetzel Field pool with encroaching trees and weeds while local poopers add another sad chapter to this troubled urban capital city.
A similar situation occurred recently at a nearby park where another person defecated near a tree, leaving behind excrement and a roll of toilet paper just steps away from North Clinton Ave.
Sadly, city employees must pick up after people with disgusting behavior.
No doubt these instances of public bowel movements represent isolated instances although Trenton remains overrun by garbage, weeds and a variety of illegal infractions that exist unchecked.
Trenton closed four public libraries and a pool while disconnected or apathetic residents deliver no upset.
Silence leads to this continued downward spiral as citizens fail to fight for services. Their retreats erode whatever chances this city holds For revitalization.
Trenton operates with minimal oversight and a depleted Inspections Department that could never keep up with residents’ disgusting behaviors and a plethora of other daily problems.
The aforementioned park underscores an indifferent mentality.
Graced with a new playground and upgrades delivered by a Green Acres project, visitors toss garbage on grass despite the fact that many trash receptacles dot the landscape.
Breaking this cycle of indifference and ignorance represents a serious challenge for a new mayor and city council members.
While leaders pledge economic recovery, public safety and a litany of other initiatives, a primary concern involves code enforcement regarding all quality of life issues from high weeds to neglected properties.
Clean should be easy but it’s not as residents crap on a city with major potential.
A positive perspective for another disappointing city take? The crappers could have done their business with water in the pool.